Managing multiple display configurations

Article last updated: July 05, 2017 23:07

If you are using two or more displays on your computer, you need to set up the displays in proper order so your setup feels natural to use. Once you have done this once or twice, it is second nature but if you have not done it before, it might be challenging.

Windows 7 and 8.1 vs Windows 10

Windows 10 and prior versions of Windows are very similar. The article is written using Windows 10 as an example. The steps can be easily adapted for Widows 7 or 8.1.

Overview

You have several options when setting up displays. You have the ability to set displays to be clones (duplicates) of each other or extend the displays so each monitor will display their own information. You can also change order and position of the displays to match their real physical positions in your environment to make it more friendly when displaying a window across two or more displays. Obviously if you move the mouse to the left from one display to the next, you would expect the mouse to be on the correct screen.

Section 1 Open Display settings

Open display settings by right clicking on the Windows Desktop and selecting Display settings. Once open you should see something similar to the below image

This window will allow you to set up everything you need for your zSpace with additional displays.

Section 2: Window layout

Make note of the 3 things you may need to adjust:

Looking at the numbered arrows shown in the previous image:

Represents each display connected to the PC. If the display is colored blue that is the currently selected display. Clicking “Identify” outlined in red will show the corresponding number on each display. Any options selected below will make changes to the currently selected display. This also shows the left to right order of your displays. If your mouse is being shown on Display #1 and if you move your mouse off the left side of display #1, it will then appear on the right side of display #3.

Options for multiple displays. If you only have one display connected to your PC this menu option will not be displayed. There are several options which could be displayed here.

Extend these displays - This is what you want selected for normal operation of the zSpace. This makes each display an extension of the previous displays. It is like having one wide desktop that goes across multiple displays..

Duplicate these displays - This monitor duplicates the display. One desktop is shown multiple times.

Show desktop only on x - X can be any number representing a connected display. This will allow you to turn off or on each display.

Make this my main display. With Windows 7 and 8.1, only the primary display will have the Windows Task Bar on it. With Windows 10 every display will have the Task Bar. Many zSpace applications require the zSpace to be set as the primary display. If you currently have your primary display select display this will be shown as “This is currently your main display”. Otherwise this will state “Make this my main display” and have a checkbox to set.

Section 3: Making adjustments to display configurations:

Step 1. Connect all displays including your zSpace to your PC including. Click on Identify to determine which display is which and click on Detect if any connected displays are not seen.

Step 2. Choose which display you want to be your primary display. It is recommend to set the zSpace as the Primary display. Using detect determine which is your zSpace then check the box (arrow #3 above) to set as main display.

Step 3. Set up multiple displays to be Extended (Arrow #2 from above).

Step 4. Change the order of your displays (Arrow #1 from above). The idea here is you want Windows to display your monitors in the same left to right order as they are sitting on your desktop to make using your mouse between displays feel natural. To do this decide the display you want to move, then click and drag using your mouse to move the order of the displays. In the below image you can see I am moving display #2 from the right side to be above display #1.

Step 5. Click Apply

At this point each display should be functioning, you will have one continuous desktop, and the left to right order of your displays will match the displayed image. Windows will remember this setting as long as you have the same displays connected. If you add or remove a monitor the configuration will change and will require you performing these steps again.

Section 4 Changing resolution on your display.

It is also important the zSpace resolution be set at 1920x1080. In some cases when connecting or disconnecting additional monitors the resolution is changed.

Select the image which represents the zSpace display. **Note**, earlier version of Windows 10 you must first select "Advanced display settings" to open a new window. Here, a user could select the zSpace display.

Under Resolution, for the zSpace set your resolution to be 1920x1080. For any other monitors, set your resolution or as close to 1980x1080 as possible. Select apply.

The zSpace also requires that the 3D display mode setting be set to On. Make sure this is properly set on the zSpace display.